Francis S. McHale

Francis Sean McHale, a 20-year United States Navy veteran and longtime resident of the OKC Metro Area, passed away on July 8th, 2024. Fran, as he was known to many, was born August 6, 1964 to John and Elizabeth McHale and attended Plant City High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Fran had a 20-year Navy career that began in March of 1986 and retired out of STRACOMWING ONE Tinker AFB. John F. Kennedy said, “I can think of no more rewarding career” and “any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: “I served in the United States Navy”! 

While serving in the Navy Fran earned his Enlisted Air Warfare Wings, his Aircrew Wings, and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal. In addition to earning many other personal awards, unit citations, and campaign ribbons for conflicts he served in throughout his career. Frans educational achievements include earning a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics Embry-Riddle - Aviation Safety and a Master of Aeronautical Science – Embry-Riddle Aviation Aerospace Safety Systems. Fran volunteered much of his time with the Boy Scouts of America, the Knights of Columbus and flew with the Civil Air Patrol where he achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. 

Fran was a “mans” man, he was a joker, he was courageous, he was a patriot, and he was friend to everyone he met. Fran brought true character to any flight crew and in any situation. Fran was well known for his resourcefulness in his unconventional means of acquiring “crew moral swag” for his fellow servicemen and women. Fran was a joy to have on any crew and Fran had the unique ability to fit in anywhere he went as he was fearless in this regard. 

Fran was a dedicated husband and father and had the heart of a servant leader. He was very easy going, genuine and loved to interact with everyone he met, truly enjoying their company. He was the type that would go out of his way to be there for those in need to help, because it is the right thing to do. Proven many times over by actively volunteering in many areas both in the US Navy, JediOKC supporting children’s mental health, and the Civil Air Patrol for over three decades. He had a natural ability to develop lifelong relationships with people who worked with, people within his community and even with random people he came across in his everyday life.

Fran met his beautiful wife Latonya on February 13, 1999 and married July 25, 1999. 

Fran is survived by his wife, Latonya, and by his children Abigale Scott and Francis McHale II, his brothers John J McHale III (Jack) and Jeffrey McHale and sisters Winnie McHale, Elizabeth McHale, and Anne Coughlin. His family has organized a memorial service to honor Frans life, at Willowbrook Wedding Chapel August 5, 2024 that will start at 3pm and there will be light refreshments afterwards, 1 SW 59th st OKC, OK 73109: Overflow parking at Morelos Grocery Store SW corner of the parking lot.